Raymond Kelly

Raymond Kelly was the oldest of three sons born to L.D. and Martha Kelly on November 11, 1936 in Muldoon, Texas (Fayette County). Raymond transitioned to be with the Lord on Monday, May 1, 2023 at his Southeast side home after a brief illness.

Raymond was raised by his grandparents, London and Nina Kelly in Muldoon while his parents’ sought employment in San Antonio, Texas.
Raymond, along with his brothers, Willie and Matt remained in Muldoon to attend school and work on the family farm that has been in the Kelly family since the 1800’s.

In between his chores on the farm, Raymond completed his education at Flatonia High School.
He would walk several miles to school and sometimes he would ride a horse. During his last year in school, he and his brother, Willie, would ride the bus. In 1956, Raymond was hired as a bus driver by the Flatonia School District. For the next 10 years, Raymond was responsible for taking students to school and returning them safely home.

In 1965, Raymond married Earsaline Benjamin. Raymond and Earsaline relocated to San Antonio, Texas in 1966 where he found employment with the San Antonio Independent School District as a custodian. For the next 30 years, he was a custodian, a father figure to students, a friend, and counselor to some. He was always willing to listen to anyone’s problems. He served as a custodian at Highlands High, Emerson, Wheatley, and Head Custodian at Sam Houston High School. He always had a smile on his face and loved everyone.

Raymond was a member in good standing of Emmanuel AME Church. The Building Committee which was responsible for the location, design, and layout, he and his wife joined Emmanuel AME Church under the tutelage of Rev. Michael Gipson in 1990. He was a member for 33 years. During that time, Bro. Kelly served as a Steward, member of the Sons of Allen, and an advisor to the Pastor. Under the teaching of Rev. I. V. Tolbert, he was given the title of Steward Emeritus.

He was a member of the Emmanuel Building Committee. He was the first person on site to help with the decision making of the committee, always acting in the best interest of the church. He was chairperson of the Church Anniversary Souvenir Journal, serving countless hours collecting ads. He served faithfully under the pastorate of four pastors: Rev. Michael Gipson, Rev. I. V. Tolbert, Rev. Chuma Okoli and Rev. Carl E. Garmon, Sr.

Raymond is preceded in death by his parents, L.D and Martha Kelly, brother: Matt Kelly and his wife: Earsaline Kelly.

He is survived by his brother: Willie (Hannah) Kelly, two daughters: Ruby Ruffin and Gwendolyn Gray of Colorado Springs, Colorado; three nephews: Willie Anthony Kelly, Jeffrey Kelly, and Reginald (Albece) Kelly; four grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and a host of other close family and friends.